And no I don’t mean the British Television show. When I say the “X Factor” I mean that “star presence”, “special something”, “can’t take your eyes off them”, “hard-to-put-your-finger-on-exactly” but always recognizable quality that the great performers (perhaps we might say true “Artists” with a capital “A”) have.

I define these “Artists” with a capital “A” as opposed to lower-case “artists” as people who transcend the nuts and bolts of their art form and tap into something much greater than it, or than they themselves, and in so doing bring lucky audience members along for the ride as well.

And to be sure, there are “Artists” with a capital “A” in every profession, not just the traditional “arts”. From singers to pianists to teachers to bankers to store clerks to stay-at-home moms to lawyers (yes even lawyers), we’ve all met these “Artists” of their profession or way of life, these people who have an “X Factor”, who somehow seem to transcend their activities and bring everyone who comes into contact with them a little bit of that “X Factor”, call it joy, presence, or a moment of respite in a hectic day, whatever you may call it, you know it when you encounter it!

1) Listen to several recordings for the overall sound world. Do not get too attached to one recording/one way of doing things. There is no "correct way." In fact, we want to hear your way, which is interesting to us because we've never heard it before and is personal to you and no one else. If I wanted to hear Jessye Norman's way, I can youtube it for free.